24 November 2016
Since returning from a long-term injury at the end of last month, Claudio Marchisio’s contributions on the field are increasing all the time and on Tuesday he capped off a convincing display in Sevilla with a crucial equaliser that kicked off the Bianconeri’s comeback to eventually win on the night.
Having had time to reflect on a positive few weeks, the Little Prince also called upon experiences from his early years at the club and elaborated on the secret to being successful at Juventus. Here follow his standout statements from this afternoon’s interview with Sky Sport
Progress pleasing
“I feel good. I just need a bit more time to warm down and rest the muscles after matches, but I’m very satisfied in that I’m now able to keep going for the full 90 minutes.”
Juve and Italy
“Throughout the history of this club, there’s always been a core of Italian players, who’ve also been key members of the Italian national team, and this trend has continued during my years at Juventus. We’ve grown up together, sharing ideas and Bianconeri values to the younger guys at here.”
Bonucci brilliance
“He’s playing extremely well at present. He reads the game so well, almost as if he were a midfielder. At times in games when us guys in the middle are all being man-marked and there’s little room for manoeuvre, we know that we can rely on him because he has the requisite quality to get the ball moving again.”
Masters of midfield
“Our midfield of the last few years was brimming with quality, but that’s not changed: already from last season, Sami (Khedira) has shown his pedigree and unquestionable talent, while Miralem (Pjanic) is fitting in very well. He’s chipped in with some important goals. We need a bit more time to build a complete understanding between us, but it’s still only November.”
Versatility a virtue
“I’ve taken on a number of different roles over the years. At my age, I feel like I can adapt with ease to playing in any area of the pitch and I owe that to the various managers who have helped me develop.”
The key to leadership
“Leadership? That’s something you only acquire with experience. In my opinion, you’re not just automatically born a leader. I grew up playing alongside true greats in the game who passed on some very important values to me, which I’ve tried to replicate.
“Being captain is a state of mind. You can be one even without wearing the armband as was the case for years with Gigi (Buffon). There are players that make themselves heard daily and others where simply having a quick conversation or looking each other in the face can already suffice.
“As for me, having the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband was a particularly special moment.”
